Paul Rudd Nostalgically Promotes Nintendo Switch 2, Echoing 90s SNES Ad

Nintendo has enlisted the charm of actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 with a new commercial that lovingly nods to his iconic 1991 Super Nintendo advertisement. The original ad featured a young Rudd, sporting a distinctive long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a memorable hairstyle, arriving at a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He captivated an audience by showcasing popular games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City on the big screen, concluding with the SNES's famous slogan: "Now you're playing with power."

In the new commercial for the Nintendo Switch 2, Rudd, now 34 years older yet remarkably unchanged in appearance, brings back the same iconic outfit. This time, he enters a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 to play Mario Kart World with comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." The group uses the system's new GameChat feature, and the ad playfully acknowledges the original's dramatic flair with a fog machine and a fan, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The commercial ends with Rudd humorously updating the slogan to, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and charm of the original ad.

IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to his 90s commercial. Rudd shared that he believes he wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on set during breaks. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:

Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, set for April 24, with the console still priced at $450. However, due to tariffs in the United States, accessory prices have increased. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.